Liverpool had interest in Ruben Amorim before appointing Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's successor, and that call has been vindicated given what's happened since they both came to the Premier League
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot claps the fans
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is fast becoming an icon at Anfield(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Success in football can often hinge on a sliding doors moment, and it appears Liverpool's choice to appoint Arne Slot instead of Ruben Amorim was as crucial as any in their recent history. The pair's contrasting fortunes ever since coming to the Premier League couldn't be more stark.
Following the shock announcement in January 2024 that Jurgen Klopp would leave the Reds at the conclusion of that season, all attention turned to his successor. It was no secret that Liverpool's top brass were interested in then-Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim to take up the mantle at Anfield.
However, Liverpool chose Feyenoord boss Slot, while United eventually secured Amorim in November 2024 after giving Erik ten Hag the boot. There were several reasons why Liverpool favoured the Dutchman over his Portuguese counterpart, with Amorim's rigid playing style reportedly a significant concern for Anfield officials.
ESPN reported that Amorim was overlooked, not only for his tactical inflexibility, but also due to the nearly £10 million buy-out clause that Liverpool would have had to agree to in order to bring Amorim to Merseyside.
The Athletic suggested that tensions over what was perceived as premature reporting of Liverpool's interest in Amorim also left the Anfield club annoyed. Yet Liverpool's hierarchy ultimately decided against Amorim as they felt his preferred 3-4-3 system would not suit the squad that Klopp had left behind, with the German often opting for a flat back four in a 4-3-3.
Amorim's tactical approach – which can morph into a 4-2-4 during transitions, a 5-2-3 when on the defensive, and a 3-2-5 when on the attack – was, and remains, central to his managerial philosophy. However, Liverpool felt they lacked the players to effectively implement a three-man defence, while Slot was already committed to a four-man backline due to his successful 4-2-4 strategy in the Eredivisie.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) and Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim (R) look on
Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim have had mixed fortunes since coming to England
Recruiting Amorim would have been an expensive venture for the Reds, necessitating a complete revamp of Liverpool's proven formation to fulfil Amorim's vision. The Athletic also reported that Liverpool had reservations about whether Amorim's style of play would resonate with the Anfield faithful.
Slot, on the other hand, has stated that he was ultimately the only one offered the Liverpool job, reports the Mirror. This indicates that he was the preferred choice in the end, despite rumours linking former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to the role, who eventually left Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid this summer.
Despite Liverpool's apprehensions, United proceeded to hire Amorim, fully aware of the coach's preference for a three-man defence. Fast forward to the 2025/2026 season, Slot is rapidly becoming a legend at Anfield and Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions.
Arne Slot lifting the Premier League trophy in May 2025
Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager
Meanwhile, United are grappling with another crisis after the Red Devils were unceremoniously knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.
Amorim's once soaring reputation, built on two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting in 2022 and 2024 and four domestic cups, seems to be at an all time low after he guided United to a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League last season and saw his team lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur in May.
Having secured just 16 victories for United out of 45 matches, his win rate stands at a meagre 35.6%. For comparison, his rate at Sporting was 71%, while the man dismissed for Amorim – Ten Hag – had a success rate of 56% at United upon his sacking.
Ruben Amorim crouches down and looks on
Ruben Amorim has endured a disastrous start to the season with Manchester United
It's not as if there hasn't been funds available to Amorim for him to mould United into his own vision. Patrick Dorgu joined for £29m in January, while this summer saw Matheus Cunha sign in a £62.5m deal.
Bryan Mbeumo was recently brought in for £71m. Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko is the latest recruit, costing United £74m, while Diego Leon and Ayden Heaven were signed at the turn of the year for a total of around £5m and it's believed they aren't done yet in this current transfer window.
It's staggering to think that Amorim has not even been at the helm at Old Trafford for a year. However, a combination of his insistence on playing a back three and goalkeeping issues, with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, have seen United concede 44 goals during his tenure.
His fallouts with senior players, such as Marcus Rashford, who has since joined Barcelona on loan, and Alejandro Garnacho have raised eyebrows and put his position under scrutiny.
A noticeable lack of progress on the pitch, with former United stars such as Wayne Rooney questioning Amorim's constant in-game adjustments, has left the Portuguese manager in a precarious position just over nine months into his tenure.
Amorim is yet to savour victory this season, with an opening day 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Fulham. Next up for United is a home match against Premier League newcomers Burnley on Saturday before the international break. A short journey to Manchester City follows that.
Liverpool, conversely, are preparing for an early season title showdown with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, with Slot's team having won both their matches so far.
After their midweek humiliation at the hands of Grimsby, United will now view the game against the Clarets as a must-win to keep their season alive. A sliding doors moment indeed.